Discovering Lil Boosie: 10 Songs You Need To Hear

Features

By: Max Weinstein/ February 19, 2014

Chances are, if you read the Internet and you listen to rap, you’ve heard these two words: “Free Boosie.” That would be Torrence Hatch, better known as Lil’ Boosie, the incarcerated Baton Rouge rapper who was charged for murder but only found guilty of drug possession (and intent to smuggle drugs into prison). His father was murdered when he was a child, he’s diabetic, and while serving time, he earned his G.E.D. certificate. And he’s about to be free again.

But while it’s easy to say that rappers like Boosie, Pimp C and Max B all enjoyed popularity boosts because of their up north trips, that’s a criminal underestimation of their talent. The reason people are clamoring to see Boosie released from jail is because he’s an incredible rapper, plain and simple. Like those mentioned, Boosie has that special ingredient that allows him to transcend other artists—he’s painfully human.

Trust, betrayal, love, lust, paranoia, confidence—no stone is left unturned in Boosie’s music, and every human emotion is thrown into his musical stew. That’s why tons of people are moved by the fact that he’s about to get out of jail.

While the world waits (apparently a little longer, according to Jeff Weiss and Boosie’s lawyers) for the rapper’s return, those who aren’t familiar with Boosie’s music could use a little primer on the man’s sprawling discography. He’s released more music than many rappers combined have made in their entire lives, so walk with us as we highlight 10 Lil’ Boosie Songs You Need To Hear.